Children spread holiday cheer with Raleigh meals delivery

"We thought it would be a great opportunity for the children to perform some service and bring some cheer and some hot meals to our neighbors," said Jennifer Marks, who organized the effort with Meals on Wheels of Wake County. "A lot of people want to find opportunities to involve their families in service, and we don't always know about the opportunities out there."

Children can learn the importance of service, even at a young age, Marks said.

"They can all identify with looking forward to a warm meal. So, it's something very concrete, something they can understand and they can see directly the joy they bring to the residents because they love seeing the young faces and smiles on every face," she said.

Meals on Wheels of Wake County delivers about 1,300 meals every day around noon to area residents who can't get out.

Seven-year-old Gabriella Asta said she was "a little jittery" about delivering meals but described the experience as "cool."

"I liked it. They'll have to do it again," Carriage House resident Iva Thornton said after three youngsters delivered her meal.

The children went in Mitzi Setzer's apartment to check out her Christmas tree.

"Christmas is for kids," Setzer said.